Sunday, July 21, 2013

Focus on > The timeless charm of Hydrangeas



Above. Mopheads (Hydrangea Macrophylla)

You've seen them blooming all around the island, delicate pompoms of baby blue, hot pink or pristine white : Hydrangeas are everywhere! In the warm days of summer, colorful orbs seem to float like magic in the lush green foliage of these shrubs
The Vine team always marvels at the sight of Hydrangeas bushes flanking the homes of our beloved clients. I guess you could even say that we're in love with them.

"I love hydrangeas, explains Bryce Vann Brock, Landscape Architect and Owner at The Vine, everyone should have them in their yard. When I die, I want my grave site to be lined in boxwood and back planted in hydrangeas!"

It is very true that hydrangeas define the South like sweet tea and cornbread. "They do really well in our climate, continues Bryce,  If you are lucky you will have dried heads on your plants on into fall." 
Indeed, Hydrangeas are no strangers to Bryce as she often uses several varieties in her landscape designs. "Penny Mac are prolific bloomers, Lacecap are an unexpected surprise. Oakleaf add interest to a buffer and can get up to 10' if you let them. Limelights are beautiful - I have found they do the best in partial sun."

Their leaves will subside in the winter though... That's why Bryce usually places hydrangeas behind an evergreen plant in her clients landscapes : "Behind ferns, azaleas, pittosporum, etc… that way when they are sticks in the winter your eye is not drawn to them."
Her favorite paring with hydrangeas? Agapanthus Lilly (blue) and blue plumbago. "They make may- July the most beautiful time of the year."
Well, it turns out, The Vine Event Design also uses Hydrangea blooms (a lot!) in compositions for weddings and other events. There is hardly another family of flowers that can be cut, dried, arranged, and enjoyed more than the Hydrangea clan. "Even the foliage is absolutely beautiful and useful, from serving as chargers for a garden party to a garnish for the plates ; it makes botanical artwork when pressed, and even dried for fervent color."(extract of A Time to Plant, Southern-Style Garden Living, by James T.farmer III)


The Lobby of the Cloister at Sea island is displaying generous Antique Green Hydrangeas this week.

Hydrangeas are often the main ingredient in the "flower recipe" of a lot of our arrangements, acting like the primer base or a "white canvas". You don't always see them right away but they really are the back bone of most floral compositions.

Actually, why not trying to find out by yourselves?
This upcoming Wednesday, from 5pm to 7pm, The Vine Garden Market is hosting a workshop centered around fresh cuts and bouquets.

"Treat your guest" and learn how to put together a stunning flower arrangement (with flowers you could even find in your backyard, ah!). So next time you're hosting friends or family, display your new skills with a glorious bouquet, strategically placed on their bedside table. Or just do it for yourself. We won't judge you for that!



For more info on our workshops and how to sign in please visit our Facebook page, or don't hesitate to give us a call at the shop from Monday to Friday, 10am/5pm. (912) 634-7474
"Treat your guest" Workshop sign > Here.

For more info on hydrangeas and how to care for them, please visit the excellent website http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/. 



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